Denver City Council celebrates Lunar New Year as official state holiday

The Denver City Council made a significant move to honor the Lunar New Year during its recent meeting, proclaiming the week of February 29 to February 12, 2025, as Lunar New Year Celebration Week. This year marks the Year of the Snake, and the proclamation highlights the importance of this holiday in diverse Asian communities worldwide.

Council members Avidrez and Gonzalez Gutierrez led the reading of Proclamation 250070, which recognizes the Lunar New Year as the largest holiday for many Asian cultures, emphasizing its role in family reunification and cultural celebration. The proclamation also acknowledges the vital contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to Denver's social, cultural, and economic landscape.

In her remarks, Councilwoman Gonzalez Gutierrez expressed pride in the city's diversity and the importance of celebrating it, especially in light of the challenges faced by AAPI communities during the pandemic. She encouraged all Denver residents to participate in upcoming celebrations, including a joint event at the Westwood Community Center on January 30 and festivities at the Far East Center over the weekend.

Councilwoman Avidrez echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need to preserve the history and stories of the AAPI community amid ongoing gentrification. She called for community involvement in honoring these narratives, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of Denver continues to thrive.

The proclamation not only celebrates the Lunar New Year but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and contributions of the AAPI community, reinforcing Denver's commitment to diversity and inclusion.